Page 5 - elevatespring16

COMFORT

TO FIGHT SPRING ALLERGIES ... GUARD
YOUR YARD
»» Grab a broom. Allergens, such as pet dander, dust
mites and pollen, can stick to your carpet, curtains and Setting up your yard with the right
bedding. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America trees and flowers can help prevent
recommends sweeping and dusting frequently and allergy troubles.
vacuuming carpets at least twice a week. Finally, wash
your bedding weekly in hot water. To minimize allergen WHAT TO AVOID:
exposure, wear a mask while cleaning. “We often associate allergies with
things we work with in the yard,
»» Check the pollen count before going outside. such as roses or other flowers,” says
You should limit your time outside when the Jeremiah Bivins, MD, allergist at The
pollen count is high or the wind is blowing Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center. “But
strongly. You can find central Georgia pollen pollen from flowers isn’t typically what
counts by simply Googling “allergy forecast.” causes symptoms. Cherry blossoms,
pecan trees and other trees are
»» Learn what type of allergy causes your symptoms. usually responsible.”
You can’t solve a problem when you don’t know what’s
causing it. Oak and walnut trees also produce
allergy-causing pollen.
“If you have no idea what you’re allergic to, you can’t fix the
underlying problem,” says Jeana Bush, MD, allergist at The Allergy, Make sure you clear your yard of
Asthma & Sinus Center. “For example, some people are allergic to their weeds. Ragweed tends to take over in
pets. They don’t realize that an allergy to animal dander is causing their south and central Georgia. Only grass
chronic fatigue, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. If the animal sleeps in you planted should grow on your
the bed, people then breathe in the allergen all night long.” lawn. Wild grasses will cause trouble.

GOING BEYOND THE STUFFY NOSE WHAT TO PLANT:
Colorful flowers are attractive to
Over-the-counter allergy medications are quick fixes for coughing, sneezing and birds and bees, so they don’t lose
watery eyes. However, these drugs can cause side effects, such as fatigue, and do their pollen to the wind—or your
nothing to address the root of the problem. nose. Choose a few options so
you’ll have something in bloom all
“Allergy medications are like Band-Aids—they simply cover up symptoms,” season long.
Dr. Bivins says. “If you have persistent symptoms that last four to six weeks or you
get a ‘cold’ at the same time every year, it’s time to see a physician.” Rhododendrons can be an
attractive replacement for your
People with allergies have an 18 percent chance of developing asthma. Allergy mulberry bush.
shots can help prevent asthma and also ease allergy-related fatigue. Treating the
underlying allergen can also help prevent frequent sinus infections. To add a nice scent to your yard,
consider planting herbs such as basil,
“If you don’t treat allergies, inflammation in the sinuses persists,” Dr. Bush says. mint and rosemary. You can use these
“Inflammation drives sinus infections. Once tissues in the sinuses become inflamed, to spice up your dinners, too.
the sinuses become blocked. This allows infection to build up. The sooner we can
treat allergies, the sooner we can relieve inflammation.” 5SPRING 2016 | navicenthealth.org

TO FIND A NAVICENT HEALTH PHYSICIAN WHO CAN HELP YOU GET TO
THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SYMPTOMS, VISIT WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/
FIND-A-DOCTOR.HTML.